Friday, February 27, 2015

(Be sure to check the price since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Synopsis

Morrow Little is
haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding
Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is
ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several
men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her
attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love
that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her
lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a
life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she
doesn't love? This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop
readers as it takes them from a Kentucky fort through the vast
wilderness to the west in search of true love.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Highly recommend! To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer has some of my favorite literary characters. I've read it several times and rate it 5 stars. Get the e-book for only $1.99!!! I have the e-book but the print copy is on my wishlist for my book collection :)

(Be sure to check the price since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Synopsis

Having completed his
sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans
for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of
Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his
father's knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past. But
small towns leave little room for secrets...

Eden Spencer has
sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending
library she runs. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door
and asks to borrow a book, she steels herself against the attraction he
provokes. His halting speech and hesitant manner leave her doubting his
intelligence. Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold,
Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Levi's
renewed commitment to his faith leads Eden to believe she's finally
found a man of honor and integrity, a man worthy of her love. But when
the truth about his prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished
hero find a way to win back the librarian's affections?

Monday, February 23, 2015

Yay! I've been waiting for this novella to go on sale! Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read her newest novella based on a character from Full Steam Ahead. Download Love on the Mend for only $1.99!

(I believe sale runs through Feb 28, but check the price since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Synopsis

After serving as a
doctor during the War Between the States, Jacob Sadler wants nothing
more than to establish a quiet country practice in rural Texas. But he
knows he'll never find peace until he buries the pain of his past. To
that end, he accepts a job in Cold Spring, Texas--the town he's avoided
for seventeen years--and discovers his past is definitely still alive
and kicking.

When a new doctor arrives in town and saves her
brother's leg, Mollie Tate quickly puts him on a hero's pedestal. But
then the new doc insults her "Uncle" Curtis. Years ago, Curtis Sadler
rescued Mollie when no one else cared. How could he possibly be the
villain the new doctor believes him to be?

Jacob doesn't know
what to make of the young woman who assists him like a seasoned nurse
one minute only to take a strip out of his hide the next. Yet the sparks
that fly between them make him feel more alive than he has in a long
time. As respect for his young nurse turns into something deeper, can he
set aside the pain from his past to embrace this new love, or are some
sins too big to be forgiven?

Sunday, February 22, 2015

(The sale runs through March 1st, but be sure to check the price since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Synopsis

An unexpected inheritance. An unknown future. An unending love.

Determined
to tame her younger brother's rebellious streak, McKenna Ashford
accepts her cousin's invitation to move west, and to begin again. But
she quickly discovers that life in Copper Creek, Colorado, is far from
what she expected. Shouldering burdens beyond her years, McKenna tries
to be the parent Robert needs, instead of the older sister he resents.
But an "untimely inheritance" challenges her resolve at every turn,
while also offering a second chance to restore her sense of trust--and
perhaps even her heart.

U.S. Marshal Wyatt Caradon is dedicated
to bringing fugitives to justice, yet years of living on the trail have
taken their toll. When his path intersects with that of McKenna, he
comes face-to-face with a past he never wanted to relive--and the one
woman who can help him find the future he's been longing for.

As
McKenna struggles to let go of her independence and Wyatt considers
opening his heart again, they discover an inheritance beyond
imagination. But it will come at a price.

A chance encounter . . .Grace Warren's life is safe and predictable—exactly the way she
likes it. But when she gets roped into going to an auction to help out a
friend, everything changes. She meets Seth Tuttle—a guy who
unexpectedly kisses her then disappears, leaving her flustered and
upset. If she never sees him again, it will be too soon.

A chance for love . . .Weeks later, when Seth limps into Grace's rehab clinic post surgery,
he's every bit as frustrating and annoying as she remembered. Yet
there's something about him that makes her second-guess her carefully
placed boundaries even though he's everything she's sure she doesn't
want in a man. But maybe Seth is exactly what Grace has needed all
along—assuming she's willing to risk safe and predictable for a chance
at love.

My Review

What I like most about this author's books are the honest emotions the characters experience. Even though Grace is confident and accomplished, she is affected by and attracted to Seth despite their initial encounter, and struggles with the vulnerability those feelings bring. She also harbors guilt over her brother Alec's paralyzing accident and learns to let go as Seth and his friend Lanna inspire Alec to embrace life. Seth is genuinely charismatic and fun-loving which doesn't change when his life goals and priorities shift as his relationship with Grace develops. An easy read with enjoyable characters.

(Thank you to Ebooks for Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Through nine historical
romance adventures, readers will journey along with individuals who are
ready to stake a claim and plant their dreams on a piece of the great
American plains. While fighting land disputes, helping neighbors, and
tackling the challenges of nature the homesteaders are placed in the
path of other dreamers with whom romance sparks. And God has His hand in
orchestrating each unique meeting.

My Review

This is an enjoyable collection of stories about pioneers homesteading and falling in love :) I learned A LOT about sod houses since almost every story featured one and a few even described the building process which is far more extensive than I had previously assumed. The romances are sweet and each story line is unique. I thought most of them were 4 stars, with a few 3 stars mixed in. My favorites were the ones by Mary Connealy, Darlene Franklin, Ruth Logan Herne, Pam Hillman, and Erica Vetsch. They incorporated themes of grief and hardship as well as strength, hope, and family loyalty.

(Thank you to Barbour Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

(Be sure to check the price since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Synopsis

An awkward young woman.
A haunted young man. A forbidden instrument. Can the love of music
bring them together . . . or will it tear them apart?

Bath, England—1810

At
twenty-eight, Alethea Sutherton is past her prime for courtship; but
social mores have never been her forté. She might be a lady, but she is
first and foremost a musician.

In Regency England, however, the
violin is considered an inappropriate instrument for a lady. Ostracized
by society for her passion, Alethea practices in secret and waits for
her chance to flee to the Continent, where she can play without scandal.

But when a thief’s interest in her violin endangers her and her
family, Alethea is determined to discover the enigmatic origins of her
instrument . . . with the help of the dark, brooding Lord Dommick.

Scarred
by war, Dommick finds solace only in playing his violin. He is
persuaded to help Alethea, and discovers an entirely new yearning in his
soul.

Alethea finds her reluctant heart drawn to Dommick in the
sweetest of duets . . . just as the thief’s desperation builds to a
tragic crescendo . . .

My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the flawed yet endearing characters that worked their way into my heart! Alethea and Dommick are both prejudiced against the other due to an unfortunate meeting in their younger days, but as they work together to solve the mystery they are alternately attracted and frustrated by their strong personalities which eventually learn to play in harmony. The mystery wasn't an easy one to solve since there weren't many clues to work from and I felt Dommick's helplessness as he came up against one dead end after another. I admired Alethea's independence and resolution to not give up her passion for the violin even in the face of harsh social criticism. The friendships she forges with Dommick's close-knit group of musical peers is enjoyable and I hope the author will continue writing novels for those characters :) This is a book I'll definitely be re-reading in the future.

(Thank you to Zondervan Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

As
Lilly toils in her father's apothecary shop, preparing herbs and
remedies by rote, she is haunted by memories of her mother's
disappearance. Villagers whisper the tale, but her father refuses to
discuss it. All the while, she dreams of the world beyond --- of travel
and adventure and romance.

When a relative offers to host her in
London, Lilly discovers the pleasures and pitfalls of fashionable
society and suitors, as well as clues about her mother. But will Lilly
find what she is searching for --- the truth of the past and a love for
the future?

(Be sure to check the price since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Synopsis

Margaretha has always
been a romantic, and hopes her newest suitor, Lord Claybrook, is
destined to be her one true love. But then an injured man is brought to
Hagenheim Castle, claiming to be an English lord who was attacked by
Claybrook and left for dead. And only Margaretha---one of the few who
speaks his language---understands the wild story. Margaretha finds
herself unable to pass Colin's message along to her father, the duke,
and convinces herself 'Lord Colin' is just an addled stranger. Then
Colin retrieves an heirloom she lost in a well, and asks her to spy on
Claybrook as repayment. Margaretha knows she could never be a spy---not
only is she unable to keep anything secret, she's sure Colin is
completely wrong about her potential betrothed. Though when Margaretha
overhears Claybrook one day, she discovers her romantic notions may have
been clouding her judgment about not only Colin but Claybrook as well.
It is up to her to save her father and Hagenheim itself from Claybrook's
wicked plot.

A unique system for
jump-starting artistic creativity, encouraging experimentation and
growth, and increasing sales for artists of all levels, from novices to
professionals.

Too many artists find themselves in a frustrating
rut: unable to sell paintings hanging in galleries, bogged down by
projects they can't finish "or "abandon, and using any excuse to avoid
working in the studio. Author Carol Marine was herself suffering from
painter's block--until she discovered "daily painting." The idea is
simple: do art (usually small) often (how often is up to the individual)
and, if you desire, post it and sell it online. Today Marine is among
the best and most celebrated daily painters, and the curator of the
popular online gallery dailypaintworks.com. In her debut, "Daily
Painting," Marine reveals the tips and tricks that helped her and other
daily painters pick up the paintbrush and start creating beautiful,
bountiful, marketable work.

My Review

I have always loved painting, but I haven't found myself doing it consistently since college. It seems that I need a project or assignment to motivate me or else life gets in the way. This book is great for providing inspiration and instruction to create a daily (or more often than occasionally) habit of painting and improving skills. The images in the book are excellent, with several full-page pictures as well as smaller ones interspersed with the body text. I appreciated that she included work from other artists as well as her own work which gave a nice variety. The narrative is personable and informative. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking to paint on a regular basis and/or improve skills.

(Thank you to Blogging For Books and Watson-Guptill Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Amish
teacher Susannah Miller suddenly has two new students: the children of
her former love. Widowed father Toby Unger broke Susannah's heart ten
years ago, but now the handsome Amish man desperately needs help with
his troubled little ones. Can the joy of the season reunite two lonely
hearts in time for Christmas?

A Plain Holiday by Patricia Davids

Outspoken
nanny Sally Yoder left her Amish community for her rumspringa. Though
her heart is back home, the Amish man she loves, Ben Lapp, will never
love a bold woman like her. But when a snowstorm strands her, her young
charges and Ben on a remote farm at Christmastime, they both might
discover that love is the true holiday spirit.

My Review

These two stories are perfect for a quick winter read. In "Heart of Christmas" by Marta Perry, Susannah is strong and compassionate, making her new students a priority over her own comfort as she advises their father Toby with thoughtful insight as to how he can connect with his grieving children. I loved the sweet moment between Toby and his son when they are finally able to communicate.

The main character Sally in "A Plain Holiday" by Patricia Davids was confusing at first since some important aspects of her thoughts and situation are revealed later and I had to reassess my assumptions about her. However, once they are stranded in the snowstorm the story picks up and she and Ben are finally able to sort through their conflicts and figure out what they really want.

(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Widowed and pregnant,
Laney Beckett wants nothing to do with stubborn rodeo cowboy Slade McKenna. But avoiding her late husband's best friend is
nearly impossible now that Slade thinks Laney and her baby need his
protection. Though Slade figures he's too rough a man to settle down,
his thrill-seeking ways have already cost him his childhood pal. Looking
out for the man's wife and child is the least he can do, especially
when headstrong Laney doesn't know the first thing about running the
family's ranch. For the sake of baby Beckett, Laney and Slade give
friendship a chance... but could they become a true family?

My Review

I enjoyed reading this sweet book about forgiveness and second chances. Although the grudges Laney and Slade had for each other dissolved rather quickly and their new-found friendship moved rapidly to romance after that, the strength of the characters in the aftermath of grief and mourning is admirable. I especially enjoyed the setting of the ranch.

(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Saturday, February 14, 2015

(Be sure to check the price before ordering since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Synopsis

In A Hopeful Heart, the
first novel of the new Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series from
best-selling author Amy Clipston, Hannah finds herself at a crossroads
in her life. Her community offers her love and support after the
untimely death of her husband, but an Englisher offers her the chance of
a new life after her unexpected tragedy. Wealthy businessman Trey
Peterson is surprised by his attraction to the gentle Amish woman who
works as a housekeeper in the Lancaster Grand Hotel. They share a common
bond of loss and are able to offer each other comfort and support as
they journey through their grief. Joshua Glick wants nothing more than
to offer his friendship and love to Hannah and her family. Not only is
he her late husband's brother and business partner, he has always been
in love with Hannah. A Hopeful Heart is filled with surprising twists as
Hannah tries to balance her life in the Amish community and her growing
love for an outsider.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Anna O'Brien leads a
predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library
of Congress until she stumbles across a baffling mystery of a ship
disappeared at sea. She is thwarted in her attempts to uncover
information, but her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns
to a dashing congressman for help.

Luke Callahan was one of the
nation's most powerful congressmen until his promising career became
shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the
winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the
lost ship.

Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly
drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any
romantic entanglement with a member of Congress. From the gilded
halls of the Capitol, where powerful men shape the future of the nation,
to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke
are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they
ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've
ever dreamed for themselves?

My Review

There is just so much to enjoy about this novel! It was fascinating to learn about how the movers and shakers in Washington DC worked together and against each other during the turn of the century. All the characters, even minor ones, are portrayed in a way that I could visualize them vividly. Anna's position as one of the first of a small handful of females to work as librarians for the Library of Congress is inspiring since she does not take her job for granted and reveres the work she does. Her first interactions with Luke are hilarious, and as she works more closely with him she learns to stretch beyond her comfort zone professionally and personally as well. There are a variety of political dynamics at play that impede Anna's search for the truth, and the story just keeps growing more intense as loyalty and trust is threatened and priorities are tested in the face of an impending war.

(Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Travel back in time to the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress in Elizabeth Camden's newest release, Beyond All Dreams. From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures?

Elizabeth is celebrating the release of Beyond All Dreams with a Kindle giveaway and Facebook party on February 17.

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